How can a soap molecule interact with both oil and water?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: One end is hydrophilic and the other end is hydrophobic
The governing concept is the amphiphilic structure of soap. A soap molecule has a long non-polar hydrocarbon tail that is hydrophobic, or attracted to oil and grease, and an ionic or polar head that is hydrophilic, or attracted to water. The tail embeds in oily dirt while the head remains in water, allowing rubbing and rinsing to remove the dirt. Thus option A is correct; the other choices incorrectly describe the whole molecule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
One end is hydrophilic and the other end is hydrophobic
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the amphiphilic structure of soap. A soap molecule has a long non-polar hydrocarbon tail that is hydrophobic, or attracted to oil and grease, and an ionic or polar head that is hydrophilic, or attracted to water. The tail embeds in oily dirt while the head remains in water, allowing rubbing and rinsing to remove the dirt. Thus option A is correct; the other choices incorrectly describe the whole molecule.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Carbon and its Compounds. Topic: Soaps and detergents.
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